An Appetite for Prayer

AN APPETITE FOR PRAYER . . .
So, let’s see . . . we have purposed to make spiritual growth a priority in our lives, understanding that growth does not happen by osmosis. To choose positive change will require discipline on our part, a commitment to make a daily appointment with God, and then keep it. Truly, growing our relationship with God best happens by spending time in his presence and in his Word, and through communicating with him—i.e., praying! I discussed the life-changing book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, that inspired me to make simple prayer a bigger part of my life, and how it truly altered the course of my life. (I recognize how ridiculous it is that a book inspired me to be more earnest in prayer, but sometimes reading an account of someone else’s spiritual journey inspires us to consider changing something in our lives for the better—again, this one certainly did!)

Well, after seeing direct answer to prayer, my desire to pray effectively continued to grow. (The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5.16) Yet, I faced two regular distractions: starting a sentence in prayer and then trailing off. . . “Lord, please direct the course of the meeting with Jim…..gee, I wonder how the discussion will roll out, and how am I going to get there on time, with needing to drop Danny at school first? Should I wear the gray suit or the black dress? Ah….wait! I was praying—now, where was I?” Can you relate? So, I started writing out my prayers. Several things happened in the process: my mind stayed present with my pen--it didn't wanter, and I developed some order to praying so I wasn’t all over the place, (this was important to me, because I truly longed to pray effectively—why? Because ‘the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working!’), and finally, my written prayers showed a record of God’s faithfulness in my life.

After trial and error, I have selected smallish (6 X 8), plain, lined notebooks to store my precious a.m. communications with the Lord. Having a pen that doesn’t ‘splat’ on your paper is a valuable companion. Then, I tweaked a well-known prayer outline, and made it A.C.L.A.T. – writing the letters down the left side of my page~

Picture yourself entering God’s presence ~ isn’t it incredible that God is waiting to hear your prayer? So, quiet your heart, and then write your prayer, using these prompts:
Adore - Praise God for who he is, what he does, and what he gives
(What do you say? Well, honor him—he’s the Creator, Savior,
Spirit, and coming King!
Confess – Ask God to reveal sin in your heart or life; confess it to him,
as he will forgive you, and make your heart clean.
Listen - Perhaps God has something to say to you; give him a little quiet
"Be still. . . ."
Ask – Take your needs, and those of others to God, and ask him for
help, intervention, release
Thank – Thank God for his blessings in your life—your family, health,
freedom . . . etc.

Using an outline is not meant to take spontaneity out of prayer—no, pray ‘at all times’ like the apostle Paul told us in his letter to the Thessalonians; but, this method provides a little order, and shapes up your prayers effectively.

My second challenge was maintaining consistency in my prayer and private Bible reading time. Sickness, vacation, and general lack of enthusiasm at times would deter me, and I had a hard time getting back ‘on the horse.’ Okay, well—truth is, this is always going to be a factor! As long as we make our homes on planet earth, there will be distractions; the key is to establish a familiar routine, and when it is interrupted, get back to it as soon as we are able.

They say that it takes 21 days to make a habit, so that is our goal. Could you commit to spending 10 or 15 minutes a day with the Lord for 21 days in a row?? I guarantee it will change your life—your attitude and your perspective, and also rock your thinking and thankfulness! Will you take the 21-day spiritual growth challenge? Let me know; I will pray for you by name.

With love,
Christine

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